Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

Join us for the Maryland International Kite Expo from April 23 to April 25, 2027, at The Kite Loft in Ocean City, Maryland. Experience the excitement of kite flying and connect with fellow enthusiasts.
Dates
23–25 Apr 2027
City / country
Ocean City, United States
Venue
The Kite Loft
Are you the organiser of this event?
Event overview
The Maryland International Kite Expo is set to take place from April 23 to April 25, 2027, at The Kite Loft in Ocean City, Maryland. This vibrant event celebrates the art of kite flying, featuring a variety of kites and activities for all ages.
Hosted by The Kite Loft, a leader in the kite retail industry, the expo draws kite enthusiasts from near and far. Attendees can expect a lively atmosphere filled with colorful kites, demonstrations, and opportunities to connect with fellow kite lovers.
TL;DR
The Maryland International Kite Expo offers a unique opportunity to witness stunning kite displays and participate in engaging activities. Visitors can enjoy free entry, making it an ideal outing for families and kite enthusiasts alike. Experience the thrill of kite flying and learn from experts in the field.
Exhibiting at the Maryland International Kite Expo provides businesses with direct access to a passionate audience of kite enthusiasts. This event is a prime opportunity to showcase new products, engage with customers, and enhance brand visibility in the kite community. Meet qualified buyers and partners including Kite manufacturers showcasing their latest designs, Retailers offering kite accessories and related products, Kite clubs and organizations promoting community.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
511 Boardwalk, Ocean City, MD 21842
The Kite Loft in Ocean City typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: The Kite Loft in Ocean City typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at The Kite Loft for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
On 2027-04-23 to 2027-04-25, Maryland International Kite Expo in Ocean City covering Single line kites for beginners and children, Stunt kites for experienced flyers, Kite accessories including lines and h gives fashion buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip

Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport
Closest commercial airport to Ocean City and the shortest transfer to the Boardwalk kite store. Limited daily frequencies, so check connections before committing; rental cars are available at the airport and rideshare supply is thin
approx. 30 mi
to venue
approx. 40-50 min by road
by car
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
Largest gateway with the widest choice of airlines and rental cars. Budget extra time for the Bay Bridge on Friday afternoons and summer Sundays; a rental car is the practical way to reach Ocean City from BWI
approx. 130-140 mi
to venue
approx. 2 h 30 min by road via US-50 East
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ocean City - Northside by IHG
4.2
USD 95–135 / night
3-star north-end property with free cancellation and hot tub on Coastal Highway; town bus or a 15-20 minute drive to the Boardwalk flying beach.
Aloft by Marriott Ocean City
4.3
USD 95–140 / night
3-star, pool and pet-friendly; surfaced via Booking.com in the hotel capture. April rates are materially below the July-August peak.
Tru by Hilton Ocean City Bayside
4.3
USD 90–130 / night
3-star bayside with pool and pet-friendly policy; plan on a car, bus fare or rideshare to reach the oceanfront.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites West Ocean City by IHG
4.0
USD 85–125 / night
2-star west-side option with free cancellation and hot tub; cheapest cluster in the capture, across the Route 50 bridge from the beach.
Courtyard by Marriott Ocean City Oceanfront
3.8
USD 90–140 / night
4-star oceanfront with pool and parking; walkable to the beach flying areas and the Boardwalk retail blocks.
Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites
4.4
USD 130–190 / night
Highest listed 4-star oceanfront rate in the capture, with hot tub and pool; suites suit families or teams staying the full three nights.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
airport bus / shuttle
approx. 40-50 min by road; Closest commercial airport to Ocean City and the shortest transfer to the Boardwalk kite store. Limited daily frequencies, so check connections before committing; rental cars are available at the airport and rideshare supply is thin.
rideshare
Road route mapped from SBY to the Boardwalk. Rideshare supply around SBY is limited, so pre-book or have a taxi number as backup. Approximate fare, confirm live quotes.
taxi / private transfer
BWI is the wide-choice gateway but roughly 2.5 hours of driving from the beach. For a three-night stay a rental car usually costs less than a round-trip transfer. Approximate fare, confirm live quotes.
town bus
The town bus runs the length of Coastal Highway and connects most hotels with the Boardwalk district; spring schedules are lighter than summer. Approximate fare, confirm with Ocean City Transit.
boardwalk tram
Seasonal tram along the Boardwalk, handy for moving gear between hotels and the flying beach; operating dates and stops vary in April. Approximate fare, confirm on site.
parking
Metered street bays and town lots sit close to the Boardwalk; April is far easier than peak summer but event weekends still tighten supply. Approximate rate, confirm posted tariffs and any event closures.
rental car
Most practical option if you land at BWI; also lets you reach West Ocean City and Assateague-area beaches. Approximate rate for a compact in April, confirm with the rental desk.
Weather
Late April in Ocean City, Maryland is coastal shoulder season: daytime highs typically around 60-70 F (16-21 C) and nights around 45-52 F (7-11 C), with a steady onshore Atlantic breeze that can make the beach feel several degrees colder. Rain is possible in spring showers, and morning sea fog can delay flying before the breeze settles. Wind is the operative variable for a kite event - too little and only light single-line kites fly, too much and big show kites are grounded. Bands are climatological planning guidance; check a short-range forecast in the final 48 hours.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
United States mobile coverage on the Ocean City barrier island is generally good on the main carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile), with 5G in the Boardwalk and Coastal Highway corridors and weaker signal on open sand north of the developed strip. Visitors from abroad should arrange an eSIM or a US prepaid SIM before arrival rather than relying on roaming; hotel Wi-Fi is common but usually fine only for email and messaging. Confirm venue Wi-Fi and any exhibitor connectivity on the organiser site if you plan to run card payments or demos from the beach.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Beach-town dress code
Ocean City is a casual resort town, so waterproof layers, trainers or sandals and a windproof jacket are the norm at the flying beach and in Boardwalk shops. A smart-casual layer is enough for a Boardwalk restaurant dinner.
Tipping and payments
Prices are quoted in US dollars and sales tax is added at the till. Tip 15-20 percent at table-service restaurants and a dollar or two per bag for hotel staff; cards are widely accepted but carry some cash for metered parking and small vendors.
Kite-field etiquette
Never walk through another flyer's line, keep well clear of the power-kite and kitesurfing zones, and stay off the dunes and dune fencing. Announce before launching a large kite, and reel in if a crowd forms downwind.
April on the Eastern Shore
Late April is quiet compared with summer: some Boardwalk businesses run reduced hours and the ocean is still around 50-55 F (10-13 C), so swimming is for the hardy. Expect spring rain showers and a strong afternoon sea breeze.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: SBY
Book SBY when the schedule works and you want the shortest transfer; book BWI when you need choice, lower fares or a rental car, and budget roughly 2.5 hours of driving each way. Compare total trip cost rather than airfare alone, since a cheap BWI fare plus a week of parking or a round-trip transfer can cost more than a pricier SBY connection. Late April is shoulder season on the Eastern Shore, so Friday afternoon and Sunday flights into BWI are the ones to book early. Allow a buffer for the Bay Bridge and confirm baggage rules if you are travelling with kite tubes or kitesurfing gear.
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport (SBY): approx. 40-50 min by road; Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): approx. 2 h 30 min by road via US-50 East. Allow road or rail time to The Kite Loft; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near The Kite Loft: North Ocean City: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ocean City - Northside by IHG; Ocean City: Aloft by Marriott Ocean City; Bayside: Tru by Hilton Ocean City Bayside.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft both operate in the Ocean City area, with the best pickup density around the Boardwalk, Coastal Highway hotels and BWI. Coverage thins late at night and at Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional (SBY), where you should pre-book or keep a local taxi number as backup. In-town hops along Coastal Highway typically run a short, low-cost ride; airport runs from SBY or BWI cost materially more, so check the app estimate before confirming.
Public transit: There is no rail service onto the Ocean City barrier island. The town's Coastal Highway bus links the Boardwalk district with mid-town and north-end hotels, and the seasonal Boardwalk tram covers the boards themselves; combined with walking, that is enough to reach the flying beach without a car. From Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional (SBY), bus is listed among the transfer options into Ocean City but services are infrequent, so verify timetables. For BWI or PHL arrivals, plan on a rental car, shuttle or rideshare rather than public transit for the final 2-3 hours.
Parking: Parking near the Boardwalk is a mix of metered street bays and town-run lots and garages, with additional lots at the inlet end and along Coastal Highway. April is shoulder season, so spaces are easier than in July, but event weekends still fill the closest bays by mid-morning. Bring coins or use the town's mobile payment option, note posted time limits, and expect road or lot restrictions around the flying fields; confirm event-specific parking guidance with the organiser before you drive down.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: April (late April, 23-25 April 2027 window) is coastal shoulder season in Ocean City, Maryland: settled spring weather with a strong onshore sea breeze and a cool Atlantic.
Temperature: Daytime highs typically 60-70 F (16-21 C), nights 45-52 F (7-11 C), with beach wind making the sand feel noticeably colder than the sheltered Boardwalk. Ocean water remains around 50-55 F (10-13 C). Bands are climatological guidance, not a forecast for the 2027 edition - check a short-range forecast before packing.
Seasonality: Spring brings passing showers and occasional morning sea fog, and wind is the defining variable for a kite weekend: light mornings favour single-line and display flying, while a building afternoon sea breeze suits stunt and power kites and can force large show kites down for safety. Rain rarely lasts all day, but a front can shut the beach for several hours, so keep Saturday and Sunday flexible.
Packing: Pack layers: a windproof shell, fleece or light insulated mid-layer, long trousers for evenings, and gloves and a warm hat for early-morning flying on the sand. Add sunglasses, sunscreen, a cap, a dry bag for kites and cameras, shoes you can walk on sand in, and a spare pair for the Boardwalk. Bring a kite stake, spare line set, repair tape and a folding chair if you plan to fly or spectate for hours, plus a refillable bottle and cash or a card for metered parking.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Maryland International Kite Expo usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
D-14: Book the hotel for 22-25 April 2027 if you want a three-night stay; oceanfront and Boardwalk properties are cheaper in April than in summer but still sell out for event weekends.
D-13: Compare SBY against BWI for flights, then decide between rental car, shuttle and rideshare for the final leg into Ocean City.
D-12: Check passport validity and ESTA or visa status if you are travelling from outside the United States; approvals can take longer than expected.
D-11: Reserve a rental car early if you are flying into BWI - April weekend inventory at the airport counters is thinner than in summer.
D-10: Pack kite gear for salt and sand: spare line sets, extra spars, a line winder, gloves and repair tape.
D-9: Check the April Ocean City forecast and add a windproof shell and warm layer; beach wind at 15 mph feels far colder than the inland air temperature.; D-8: Download an offline map of the Boardwalk and Coastal Highway, plus the town's parking payment app, so you are not hunting for signal on the sand.
D-7: Confirm your mobile plan covers the United States or order an eSIM before departure.
D-6: Book any restaurant for Friday or Saturday evening - Boardwalk-area tables fill quickly on spring festival weekends.
D-5: Re-check the organiser site and social channels for field changes, demo times or a weather call.
D-4: Charge cameras, action cams and power banks; carry a dry bag for gear on the beach.
D-3: Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a refillable bottle, plus cash or a card for metered parking.
D-14: Confirm the 2027 flying schedule, field locations and any weather contingency on kiteloft.com, and check whether clinics or workshops need advance sign-up.; D-2: Confirm airport transfer or parking plan and note the drive time buffer for the Bay Bridge on Route 50 if coming from the west.
Registration and hall orientation at The Kite Loft
Supplier meetings and product demos
Final negotiations and follow-up
Maryland International Kite Expo registration concourse
The Kite Loft
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
The Kite Loft
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget

Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Use this quick check to decide whether Maryland International Kite Expo fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Maryland International Kite Expo, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Single line kites for beginners and children and Stunt kites for experienced fly solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Maryland International Kite Expo in Ocean City.
Min. budget
$530.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Single line kites for beginners and children and Stunt kites for experienced fly products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,385.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Ocean City show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
Trust footer
4
References
1
Publishers
0
Date checked
The Kite Loft
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